A Cold Winter’s Evening

Crystal flakes drift silently down.
A doe is huddled in the shelter of a towering tree.
She is tired, oh so tired, but happy
for a new mother’s joy is without compare.
She licks the little round lump in the snow beside her.
The tall evergreens stand around to guard.
The wind rushes through the boughs to greet the newborn life.
Welcome to the world, young fawn!
Welcome to the touch of cold winter snow.
Welcome to the taste of sweet spring grass.
Welcome to the smell of approaching summer rain.
Welcome to the sound of rustling autumn leaves.
Welcome to pain, and fear, and sorrow.
And love.
So much love.